Typically something that increases your chance of getting cancer is considered a cause. Each type of cancer has unique causative factors. Some are behaviors that can be changed, such as smoking. Others are things that can’t be changed, like age and family history. However, just because you experience one of these causes does not mean you will get cancer. Similarly, others who get cancer may not have experienced these causes. There is one prominent known cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure
The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Exposure to asbestos in the home or the workplace is related to many mesothelioma cases. Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance — things like rocks or soil house these fibers. Many people are regularly exposed to asbestos particles outdoors because it occurs naturally in some dust. If you live in an area where there is a lot of asbestos in the environment, you face exposure to higher amounts. It may also be in the water in some locations.
In the 20th century, asbestos was popular in the manufacturing industry because it is heat and fire-resistant. Because of this, many Americans have already come in contact with this substance. In particular, miners, factory workers, manufacturers, railroad workers, automobile mechanics, shipbuilders, plumbers, and construction workers may have been exposed to asbestos. Their family members may be in danger as well because these workers can carry the fibers home. If you or someone in your family contracted mesothelioma due to a job, asbestos.net has more information about receiving justice.
Asbestos was also incredibly popular as a form of insulation for homes, offices, and other public buildings. However, the building materials contain these particles, so they are less likely to be inhaled. The use of asbestos almost completely stopped in the United States once it became known to cause mesothelioma. Therefore, newer houses will not have these particles in them. It is imperative that those who have been exposed to asbestos in the past, and have had serious effects from this, contact asbestos exposure injury lawyers to see if they have a case. As mentioned before, there is online help for those who need it, and this should be well-known to help those who have been suffering.
Asbestos Effects
When you breathe asbestos fibers, they can enter your lungs. If they stay in your lungs too long, they can enter the chest cavity. Here, they can injure your cells and cause damage that leads to mesothelioma. They can also damage the cells inside your lungs, leading to lung cancer. You can swallow asbestos fibers as well, which can cause mesothelioma in your abdomen.
Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. If you work in an at-risk industry or live in an older building, you could have come in contact with asbestos fibers and may want to seek a cancer screening.